US4341568A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for washing objects
Assignee: Beckman Coulter Inc
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Filing: 1980-06-27
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Granted: 1982-07-27
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Expires: 2000-06-27
Abstract
Abstract A device and method for washing an object in a receptacle. The device includes an end portion introducible into and cooperative with the receptacle to define a substantially enclosed space containing the object to be washed. The fluid is introduced into and aspirated from the substantially enclosed space such that the object is movable in the fluid between the end portion and the receptacle.
Inventors
- 👤 Kim S. Christensen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 18:12
CPC Classifications
B; B08; B08B; B08B3/00; B08B3/02; B01; B01L; B01L13/00; B01L13/02; B01L2300/00; B01L2300/08; B01L2300/0809; B01L2300/0829; B01L3/00; B01L3/50; B01L3/508; B01L3/5082; B01L3/5085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A device for washing an object within a receptacle comprising: an end portion introducible into and cooperative with said receptacle in such a way as to define a substantially enclosed space containing said object; said end portion including a tip surface adjacent said object; means, adjacent said end portion, for introducing a fluid into said substantially enclosed space; and means, contiguous with said tip surface, for aspirating said fluid from said substantially enclosed space; said object being movable between said receptacle and said tip surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
85 words
A device for washing an object within a receptacle comprising: an end portion introducible into and cooperative with said receptacle in such a way as to define a substantially enclosed space containing said object; said end portion including a tip surface adjacent said object; means, adjacent said end portion, for introducing a fluid into said substantially enclosed space; and means, contiguous with said tip surface, for aspirating said fluid from said substantially enclosed space; said object being movable between said receptacle and said tip surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said end portion includes a shoulder substantially sealing with said receptacle.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
105 words
A device for washing an object within a receptacle comprising: an end portion introducible into and cooperative with said receptacle in such a way as to define a substantially enclosed space containing said object; said end portion including a tip surface adjacent said object; at least one high velocity nozzle mounted adjacent said tip surface; an aspirator contiguous with said tip surface; said tip surface configured to approximate a mating surface for at least part of a surface of said object, said tip surface spaced from said part of said object surface to allow movement of said object between said tip surface and said receptacle.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
105 words
A device for washing an object within a receptacle comprising: an end portion introducible into and cooperative with said receptacle in such a way as to define a substantially enclosed space containing said object; said end portion including a tip surface adjacent said object; at least one high velocity nozzle mounted adjacent said tip surface; an aspirator contiguous with said tip surface; said tip surface configured to approximate a mating surface for at least part of a surface of said object, said tip surface spaced from said part of said object surface to allow movement of said object between said tip surface and said receptacle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device according to claim 3 wherein said end portion includes a shoulder substantially sealing with a ridge on said receptacle.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for washing an object within a receptacle comprising the steps of: inserting at least a portion of a washing device into said receptacle such that said portion and said receptacle cooperate to substantially enclose the object therebetween, the object being positioned between said receptacle and a tip surface on said portion; injecting a fluid into said receptacle adjacent said object; and aspirating said fluid from said receptacle so as to move said object between said tip surface and said receptacle.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for washing an object within a receptacle comprising the steps of: inserting at least a portion of a washing device into said receptacle such that said portion and said receptacle cooperate to substantially enclose the object therebetween, the object being positioned between said receptacle and a tip surface on said portion; injecting a fluid into said receptacle adjacent said object; and aspirating said fluid from said receptacle so as to move said object between said tip surface and said receptacle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said step of inserting includes substantially sealing a shoulder on said washing device with said receptacle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said step of injecting includes introducing the fluid such that it will flow between said object and said receptacle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said step of aspirating includes vacuuming said fluid from around said object such that said substance is drawn over all surfaces of said object.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
99 words
A device for washing an object within a receptacle comprising: an end portion introducible into and cooperative with said receptacle in such a way as to define a substantially enclosed space containing said object; said end portion including a tip surface adjacent said object; means, adjacent said end portion, for introducing a fluid into said substantially enclosed space; a vacuum tube contiguous with said tip surface; and means, attached to said vacuum tube and extending beyond said tip surface, for preventing said object from contacting said vacuum tube; said object being movable between said receptacle and said tip surface.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
99 words
A device for washing an object within a receptacle comprising: an end portion introducible into and cooperative with said receptacle in such a way as to define a substantially enclosed space containing said object; said end portion including a tip surface adjacent said object; means, adjacent said end portion, for introducing a fluid into said substantially enclosed space; a vacuum tube contiguous with said tip surface; and means, attached to said vacuum tube and extending beyond said tip surface, for preventing said object from contacting said vacuum tube; said object being movable between said receptacle and said tip surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 9 wherein said preventing means includes a slotted extension contiguous with said vacuum tube.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
117 words
A device for washing an object within a receptacle comprising: an end portion introducible into and cooperative with said receptacle in such a way as to define a substantially enclosed space containing said object; said end portion including a tip surface adjacent said object; at least one high velocity nozzle mounted adjacent said tip surface; and an aspirator contiguous with said tip surface; said aspirator including a slotted extension protruding beyond said tip surface; said tip surface configured to approximate a mating surface for at least part of a surface of said object, said tip surface spaced from said part of said object surface to allow movement of said object between said tip surface and said receptacle.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
117 words
A device for washing an object within a receptacle comprising: an end portion introducible into and cooperative with said receptacle in such a way as to define a substantially enclosed space containing said object; said end portion including a tip surface adjacent said object; at least one high velocity nozzle mounted adjacent said tip surface; and an aspirator contiguous with said tip surface; said aspirator including a slotted extension protruding beyond said tip surface; said tip surface configured to approximate a mating surface for at least part of a surface of said object, said tip surface spaced from said part of said object surface to allow movement of said object between said tip surface and said receptacle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-07-26 | 1986-01-25 | 1986-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-07-26 | 1990-01-25 | 1990-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-07-26 | 1994-01-25 | 1994-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |